I was ready to give H&R Block a big pat on the back for their promotional free refund anticipation check, but then I lost my enthusiasm after a little bit of calling around.

During Block’s March 7th investor call, Block’s CEO led off with his belief that offering free refund anticipation checks had been a boon for business.

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H&R Block owns the tax preparation software company that will channel financial products to tax filers in locations through the United States this year.

RedGear Technologies, based out of Utah, is a subsidiary of H&R Block. Block acquired RedGear a few years ago. RedGear’s primary product is TaxWorks, a tax software package designed to help preparers by offering (more…)

The news that customers will be able to get free tax preparation service has prompted an intense and varied reaction among consumer advocates.

It is the variation in those reactions, from groups that often speak in lockstep with eachother, that seems so unusual. Some groups appear to acknowledge the value of (more…)

The nation’s largest retailer is going to do taxes for millions of people for free this year.

Wal-Mart says there will be tax preparers in 3,000 of its stores. Most of those preparers will be from Jackson Hewitt, although some will be from Block.

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US District Court Judge Beryl Howell will support an action by the Department of Justice to deny H&R Block’s acquisition of tax preparer TaxAct.

Justice said that if Block was able to go forward with its purchase of 2ss Holdings (the parent (more…)